Fox ups European execs

Higginson, Huntley part of record-setting int'l releases

Twentieth Century Fox Intl. has upped Paul Higginson and Todd Huntley to exec VP and senior VP, respectively, of the distrib’s European theatrical division.

Higginson, who joined Fox in 1980, will continue to oversee the distrib’s theatrical distribution, sales and marketing operations in Europe, while Huntley will be responsible for marketing.

“Paul and Todd have played key roles in the growth and success of Fox-Europe since they assumed responsibility for the organization in 2007,” Fox Intl.’s co-prexys Paul Hanneman and Tomas Jegeus said in a statement. “During the past three years (they) have capably overseen the release of a highly varied slate such as Europe’s biggest-ever animated film, ‘Ice Age 3,’ and ‘Avatar.'”

Fox has already passed the $2 billion mark overseas this year, thanks to “Avatar” becoming the all-time highest-grossing film with $1.99 billion internationally. Also performing strongly was “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” with $226 million overseas. Fox Intl. currently holds the record for annual foreign ticket sales, with last year’s $2.45 billion.

Huntley began his tenure at Fox in 2002 as veep of marketing, before being appointed to veep of the Fox-Europe division. Most recently, Higginson served as senior VP of the division.

Huntley will report to Higginson, who will continue to report to Hanneman and Jegeus.